The W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business at Bluefield State College offers a variety of programs. Students in the four-year Bachelor of Science degree program in Business Administration program will complete the core studies curriculum required of all BSC students, the Business Core component, an 18-hour major, and a 12-hour minor. Areas from which a major may be selected include Accounting, Management, and Marketing, while the minor may be selected from Accounting, Business Information Systems, Management, or Marketing. For the first time in school history, the baccalaureate Business Administration degree program can be completed entirely via distance learning, through a combination of courses offered by videostream and/or online.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy is available for those students seeking an intensive concentration in accounting. Students planning to sit for the Certified Public Accountant examination in the state of West Virginia need to complete 150 hours of college study. The B.S. Accountancy program as outlined in the college catalog will provide students with the specific courses required to sit for the CPA examination. Students who take the BSBA Business Administration program, with the Accounting major, need to take BUSN 302 – Business Law for Professional Accountants as an elective and ACCT 431 – Auditing Principles and either ACCT 432 – Advanced Auditing or ACCT 424 – Accounting Information Systems among their 300/400 level accounting electives to satisfy the CPA examination requirements.

A Bachelor of Science degree program in Business Information Systems was initiated in 2011, and is available for those students seeking an integrative program combining courses in business, information systems, and computer science. Students must complete the business core, 30 hours of business information systems courses, and 17 hours in computer science. Admission to this program requires a minimum ACT score of 20. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 upon the completion of 32 hours to remain in this program.

A new program added to the Cole School of Business offerings is the baccalaureate program in Health Services Management. Students in this program must take 30 hours of Health Services Management coursework, including a 300-hour summer internship between the junior and senior year. HSMT students also complete an additional 33 hours of business core classes.

For the B.S. business programs and B.S. in Accountancy, students are required to take a major field test in business prior to graduating.

The Cole School of Business received national accreditation of the Business Administration and Accountancy programs on July 1, 2001 by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), 11520 West 119th Street, Suite 420, Overland Park, Kansas 66213, telephone (913) 339-9356. Accreditation for the Business Information Systems program will be pursued after the program produces its first group of graduating students.

Mission Statement for The W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business

The W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business is dedicated to preparing students to succeed in an ever-changing business environment. We will provide the knowledge and technical skills required today, while developing critical thinking and adaptation capabilities needed for the future. We seek to continuously improve our practices, methods, and delivery systems utilized in accomplishing this mission.

Vision Statement for The W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business

The vision of the BSC W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business is to become the preeminent teaching-focused business school in southern West Virginia, offering high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs in various high-demand fields of study.

Message from the Dean

Dear Student,

The Paul W. Cole School of Business at Bluefield State College has been providing higher education to citizens of southern West Virginia for many years. The faculty and staff are glad that you have made the decision to take advantage of the excellent educational opportunities available at the BSC Cole School of Business.

To new and transfer students, I extend a warm welcome. We are determined that your transition to BSC be as smooth as possible. Do not hesitate to ask for any assistance you need. For those of you who are returning, we are glad you are back and ready for the excitement, rigors and challenges of academic life. Even though you are old hands at this process, feel free to seek assistance as needed.

You have many advantages as students of the Cole School of Business including; a variety of courses and degree programs, experienced, highly-credentialed faculty, personalized academic advising, cutting edge technology that will adequately prepare you for future employment opportunities, and a faculty, staff and administration whose mission is to enhance your educational experience. The Cole School of Business enjoys tremendous community support. While you are here, make the most of the opportunities afforded you. Meet other students. Get involved in campus life. Visit with the faculty and seek their counsel. Above all else, make a difference now and in the future.

The faculty and staff join me in wishing you a successful semester.

Best Regards,

Dr. Peggy JohnsonInterim DeanPaul W. Cole Jr. School of BusinessBluefield State College